Is Sen. Chuck Grassley Getting Involved in One of Toyota’s Biggest Recalls?

From the looks of things, it appears to be the case…and it might be the first time in a long time that a politician is looking out for the general public, especially a Republican. Who knew?

More specifically, Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has formally requested the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to reopen the investigation that eventually led to over eight million vehicles being recalled, one of Toyota’s biggest recalls ever (and set a record number of recalls from an automaker). Sen. Grassley stated that the purpose of the request was because “key questions about the cause of unintended acceleration remain unanswered”, per a letter written to the NHTSA Director David Strickland. Sen. Grassley feels as though Toyota may have gotten off a little too easily. Given the mainstream media’s love for the Rising Sun automaker, I wouldn’t be surprised if that were the case.

Sen. Grassley further stated that the two investigations that were conducted did not provide either a suitable explanation or conclusion. Although most of the unintended acceleration incidents that did not come from the floormats sliding underneath the gas pedal, or the previous issue with the accelerator were blamed on “driver’s error”, both studies concluded that there could have been some other factors involved, but were unknown and/or not further investigated.

Toyota formally issued a statement in response to Sen. Grassley’s inquiry, stating that “There is no problem with the electronic throttle control systems in Toyota vehicles – and all the scientific evidence confirms it. So-called ‘tin whiskers’ are not a new phenomenon and do not represent a mysterious or undetectable problem in a vehicle’s electronics.”

What the ‘tin whiskers’ phrase is referring to is the occurrence of tiny crystals forming on circuit boards…and any type of foreign matter that can develop and/or interfere with any electronic component, especially the “brains” of the operation, could lead to any number of situations…but in this case, potentially a lethal one.

I’ve always had an issue with the whole “FloormatGate” being widely dismissed as “driver’s error”. I did not believe then, nor do I believe now that the driver had any part of the accelerator getting stuck. I can’t possibly imagine anyone putting themselves, the other passengers, and especially the general public in danger…and for what? A possible settlement from a class-action lawsuit? A vendetta against Toyota? Or even letting the whole scandal start playing mind games with them?

All of these situations could have happened, but highly unlikely in a widespread case. I smell a coverup (no surprise coming from Toyota)…stay tuned to the latest updates!